Hearing Impaired Telephones

The loss of hearing is often treated with loss of respect. People are not always ready to acknowledge that they lack hearing and hence try to hide the problem. Often they are not ready to wear hearing aids. If you know some one like this close to you then it is time that you helped him/her. Think hard! Does anyone you are acquainted with have a telephone hearing problem? Maybe that person isn't ready for a hearing aid? Maybe that's the reason why they are avoiding telephone calls.

Hearing Impaired Telephones and Cordless Amplified Telephones

Worry no more! That's not end of the world as in modern day we see many gadgets which seek to boost the volume and make it easy for a hearing impaired people to hear. Another significant point to note is that the present day amplified telephones boost the tones. This in turn is beneficial to people many of whom are hard of hearing.

What is great about this amplified telephone is that, dependent on the model, the sound can be enhanced up to 50 decibels above normal. The amplified telephone has extra loud ringers with visual indicators. This is definitely a great advantage for a person who has a level of hearing that is more difficult than most.

This gadget ensures that you never miss a telephone call and at the same time has large buttons, which ensure that the correct numbers are pushed.A significant point about the amplified telephone is that it allows the user to have a broad selection of assistive listening devices.

These devices are specifically meant for the hearing impaired. Many states give these physically challenged people such devices. As for instance if you stay in Texas you are liable to get free or discounted amplified cordless telephone.

One of the best telephones to get is big-button Amplified Telephone from GE that allows one to amplifying the ringer up to 90 dB. The other characteristic feature of this handset is to boost up to 30 dB. Apart from that the telephone has exclusive graphic equalizers. This allows one to customize it to meet your individual hearing loss. The great feature of this telephone is that it also has a 3.25 inch amber backlit LCD Caller ID with time/date.

A significant technology that is featured in this telephone is Clarity® Power" technology which is a specific technology that allows one to Amplify incoming sounds up to 30 decibels. 2.4GHz technology for more freedom of movement is a major factor that attributes to the popularity of this telephone among users.

Clearsounds Amplified Cordlless Telephone is one of the loudest amplified telephones available, with up to 50 dB of amplification and at the same time this is a telephone that is hearing aid compatible. Some features of this excellent set is that it enhances sound up to 50 dB of amplification, plus 95 dB ringer in base and handset.

This is done with vibration and visual alert in handset and at the same time there is tone control for high and low frequencies. The telephone also has a large Caller ID display with 99 name & number telephone book and an amplified 2.5mm headset jack. In this one telephone you can have multi-user as you can add up to 3 additional handsets, which allows you to have 4 hours, talk time and 10 hours standby.

Hearing Impaired Telephones Reduce Frustration

Most likely, the hearing impaired telephone you're researching is for a friend or loved one. Although your parent, grandparent or good friend may not believe that they have a hearing impairment (over 28 million people in the U.S. have hearing loss), your telephone conversations may be increasingly frustrating for both parties. Many amplified telephones are purchased by someone other than the individual who really needs the device.

The level of amplification needed often depends on the level of hearing loss (see below). To make matters worse, many individuals with a hearing loss typically either 1) think that there are no problems with their hearing, or 2) believe that there are no decent amplified telephones on the market that will allow them to have clear communications with friends and family.

Q: Where do I start?
A: Diagnose all the communication challenges and their priorities.
It may seem obvious that the inability to hear telephone conversations is the number one challenge, but you would be surprised that many individuals are searching for other important features (like big buttons) that resolve other problems.
These problems can be a lack of dexterity, visual impairment or even mental acuity.
Also, maybe the potential user's hearing loss isn't substantial (where only minor amplification is needed) and they just need a telephone that provides more clarity.

Some common needs are listed below:

Amplification level:
The loudest corded and cordless telephones on the market provide up to 50db of amplification. For moderate hearing loss, consider telephones in the 20db to 40db range. For those with mild hearing loss, consider telephones in the 15db to 30 db range.
Inability to hear high or low pitched sounds:
Is there a tone adjustment on the telephone? This feature will help compensate for hearing losses in high frequencies as well as low frequencies.
Hands-Free application:
Does the telephone have a good quality speakerphone? Many hearing impaired telephones also have space for plugging in a headset, neckloop, or other technologies.
Hearing aid compatibility:
Even though a user may wear a hearing aid, an amplified telephone is often a great addition for improved telephone conversations. The "scoop" or "cup" of the earpiece may be an important consideration. Without this, a hearing aid user may experience significant feedback, leading to an annoying telephone experience.
Location:
Where will the telephone be used? In an apartment or a large home? Also, do you need additional cordless handsets? How much range (or distance away from the base unit) do you need? If range is important, consider an amplified telephone that uses DECT 6.0 technology (the latest frequency).
Visual and Audio notification:
Adjustable ringer loudness and bright ringer flashers are available on most amplified telephones although the brightness and loudness vary greatly from telephone to telephone.
Additional Considerations:
Besides a hearing impairment, are there other impairment issues as well? If the user not only faces a hearing difficulty but their hands are becoming unsteady, then they may benefit from jumbo buttons that allow for easy dialing.

Q: Which hearing impaired amplified telephone do I choose?

A: Get product feedback.
In general, the more expensive the telephone, the more amplification and features you get. A starter amplified telephone with basic features and mild amplification (15db to 30db) generally starts in the $50.00 to $85.00 range. Expect to pay $125.00 to $250.00 for top end telephones with 50db of amplification and extra features for persons with severe hearing losses.

Some additional ideas for selecting an amplified telephone:
Search for specific product reviews online. Try typing the words "amplified telephones" or "hearing impaired telephones" in a Google search.
Contact your favorite retailer who has a wide selection of amplified telephones. Ask about the most popular models and their return rates. Remember that the loudest models don't always equate to the clearest sounding or easiest to use.
If you can't find a local retailer, try talking with someone (friend or sales representative) that has used the telephone you are considering.
Consider the most popular brands in the hearing impaired market: Clarity, Audex, ClearSounds, and more recently, GE.

Amplified telephones are clearly of great benefit to people with a hearing impairment - even those with hearing aids. Just as importantly, these telephones can have outreaching positive affects on the relationships with family and friends. For the relatively minimal expense and the recent improvement with technology, it makes sense to try an amplified telephone.